Botswana Safari- The Haven Of Wildlife Sanctuaries

Vast lands?wildlife?well, anyone may have those two in Africa but not definitely like the experience that may be had from Botswana Safaris.

This vast piece of land is only one of the few where wildlife need not compete for land and resources with man. The land area is as large as France yet the population counts only to mere 1.6 million people. As an outcome, wildlife has increased in great number that the place becomes a sanctuary for the finest games in all Africa.

Being the world's largest exporter of diamonds, Botswana no longer has to compete with the tourist market. Yet as grand as its land offers for safari fanatics, it can't help but attract as many tourists as its resources may allow. However, the government decrees the limited number of people allowed to penetrate Botswana safaris, thus the significant increase in prices, which ultimately made it as an exclusive safari destination.

Kalahari dessert dominates 84% of all Botswana. Though it is a dessert by name, Kalahari is not much like a dessert, as we may perceive Sahara. Except for occasional sand dunes, Kalahari is mostly covered with vegetation characterized by bushes, grasslands, trees and scrubs. However, water is meager thus the dessert label.

Visitors of Botswana safaris are almost always amazed at how creative and genius the creation and maintenance of its wildlife sanctuaries.

The finest games in the whole region are found in the Chobe National Park which is located somewhere in the north east side of the country. It harbors the most varied games in the country and is refuted to nurse the largest group of elephants in a single place. Elephants here are estimated to have reached up to 80,000 individuals.

Savuti Marshes, on the other hand (which is located in the Chobe National Park) is refuted to have the largest density of predators found in all Africa. Hundreds of wildlife species are found here, both preys and predators.

Its resources for water encourages buffalo, antelopes, zebras and the likes that are followed by predators such as the leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, lions, and jackals. Some predators here have the tendency to become lazy and living in Savuti Marshes sounds more like a gift than anything else.

Botswana safari is simply a unique place for wildlife conservation. But this act is took time to accomplish. Botswana is a country that is bordered by neighboring countries. While great efforts and done to protect all its wildlife, it still needs other countries' collaboration to make everything working. After all, animals do not comprehend international borders.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on safari & other useful information, please visit http://safari.articlekeep.com

African Safari Vacation Tips

For every instance, there surely must be some guidelines to further enhance the excitement of the experience or simply to make the most out of any activity. In this article, we have prepared several African safari vacation tips that will let ensure a vacation like nothing else. Here they are:

The early bird, as the saying goes, catches the worms. This adage seem to apply even for African safari vacations. Even if it implies that you wake up earlier than the rising of the sun, you would be happy that you did since many activities occur during the morning than throughout the day. This is for the reason that most animals are active in the earlier parts of the day and spend the whole light hours sleeping or resting. Nocturnal animals, on the other hand, are only about to rest while the sun rises.

The safaris, though more famous for the games and wild animals, were not created solely to do just that. You might be busy collecting stones while discarding wonders such as sightings of intriguing insects, varieties of smaller animals and multitudes of panoramic sights.

One of the more indispensable equipments in any African safari vacation is the binoculars as they allow you to see visions even from afar. Though travel companies normally provide binoculars, you might as well bring your own sets as you may prove them more convenient than risking your chance of sharing the tool with another person.

Your exposure to mosquitoes in African safaris can cause you myriad of mosquito diseases which in most cases, deprive you from more enjoyable experiences. To ward off uninvited guests during the night, make it a point to apply mosquito repellants and expose parts of your body as little as possible.

Any self-respecting African safari vacation operators knows that guests are susceptible to certain ailments due the natural elements in wild Africa. Therefore, they are well-equipped with treatments, medications and procedures that will create lesser chances of being affected by one. However, you must still bring with you personal medications such as anti-diarrhea medicine and anti-malaria pills in case you might need them.

You surely would want to reserve memories of experiences that you have undergone during your African safari vacation. If you were to bring a camera, your best bet would be the digital ones. However, for types that make use of films, be careful that you have some good reserve of batteries and films.

If you want sights of the nocturnal animals, your obvious choice would be to travel at night. Be wary though that you don't get to hold the lights primarily because they can attract many insects that becomes irritating overtime.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on safari & other useful information, please visit http://safari.articlekeep.com

 

Africa Has A Wealth Of Safari Vacation Choices

Taking a safari vacation is one of the most exotic options available. Deep in the heart of Africa is Tanzania, with the great Serengeti plains extending into the distance as far as you can see. Herds of animals run free here in an untamed wilderness. Predators still hunt for prey here. The Serengeti name comes from the Maasai word meaning 'the place where the land runs on forever'. This flat and grassy plan that makes up about one-third of the park, together with the savannahs, is packed with game.

One of the most famous events that occur on the Serengeti is the wildebeest migration. Every year, about two million animals move around the 14,764-square kilometer ecosystem in a clockwise direction, looking for good grazing land and water. These animals are closely followed by predators.

You can spend your time among lions, elephants, cheetahs, impala, hyena, and warthogs. You can sit at a campfire under the African sky, which is home to millions of stars. You can experience the unchanged Africa, exploring historic and exotic places. You will see amazing sunsets and landscape and be hosted by open-hearted people.

When you go to Kenya you can begin your own adventures by traveling as an observer or participating in the many opportunities to see exotic wildlife and natural wonders. You can explore archaeological sites and antiquities. There are also many calm waterways and architectural marvels to be seen and experienced.

Some have described Kenya as having everything that is beautiful in Africa. It has rolling savannahs, icy peaks on Mount Kenya, and the white coral beaches of the Indian Ocean. There are holidays of all types, such as camel safaris in Samburu land. You can participate in walking safaris for bird-watching or go golfing and fishing. You may choose to visit Maasai Mara, where thousands of wildebeest and zebra migrate in July and August. This is an exciting sight for visitors. The coast of Kenya provides many attractions, and Lamu Island has white sand beaches with archaeological sites providing a view into pre-colonial African history. Malindi offers good fishing, surfing, and snorkeling.

Just because you are on safari doesn't mean you'll have to stay in canvas tents. There are also numerous hotels, game lodges, tree hotels, and self-catering chalets. All of these venues offer rest rooms, clean beds, and fine dining. There are good modern roads that connect one exciting location to another and most parks and reserves are easily accessed, so you can see big game.

You can hire cars, motor coaches, and luxury minibuses for transportation, as well as air services with sophisticated charter networks. One of the best journeys runs from Nairobi to Mombasa.

East Africa is a great place to visit all year long. Each season has its own charm, and each area offers wonderful moments. Visit your travel agent to design a trip suitable for you and to get the best deals on airfare, accommodations, tour guides, transportation, and more.

Discover more articles about vacation and travel ideas by visiting http://vacation-secrets.com

 

Know What To Expect From An African Hunting Safari

Africa, a place that is naturally endowed with species that it exclusively owns.

The mere sound of the name rings bells of adventure, exploration, realization and hunting. Because of the diversity of hunting safari, it offers as much opportunities for hunting fanatics to explore a range of ecological areas that have their own specialties.

Well, it's hard to imagine how we can exactly describe the purity of Africa. It is safe though to tell you that it is filled with rich resources of plain animals suited for game, predators that follow after their kill, animals grazing on fertile and unspoiled lands and others.

The game aside, Africa gathers the largest, most dense and extreme concentration of plant species and strange animals that seem to have come directly from the sixth day of the creation.

Now going to the bird, at any given time of the year, a single national park can contain an average of 300 to 500 bird species, which make Africa not only a haven of species but also a paradise for naturalists and ornithologists.

The plant and tree species are also diverse that it is impossible to record them all. Some species are as old as several thousand years ago, which again seemed to be the direct link to the Creator.

Al these combined (and the mixture of other components), Africa is one big paradise for man and the creations to enjoy. To flourish and to experience the circle of life. The dance that plays with each organism and specie. And the life that sets the balance between the created and the wardens.

As for the hunting safari, Africa boasts the most excellent sites and species that fuel man's passion for hunting animals in their natural habitats. Though hunting is restricted in some national parks, local governments still assigned African hunting safaris where varieties of games are enjoyed but in accordance with ethical restrictions.

Some common hunting safari animals in Africa are: black wildebeest, gemsbuck, red hartebeest, springbuck, waterbuck, bushbuck, zebras, antelopes, eland, steenbuck, rhebuck, impala, blue wildebeest, warthog, kudu and many other species.

In African hunting safaris, the most common method used is the rifle hunting. However, although it is popular enough there are still unsettled issues concerning the caliber of the rifle. Please check on the guidelines as suggested by you tour operator.

Next to the rifle hunting is the bow hunting, which for the present is not as customarily used as the rifle hunting. Experts see the future of bow hunting though as the standard to restrict any other issues that must be dealt with the more common form of hunting.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on safari & other useful information, please visit http://safari.articlekeep.com

 

Some Famous Zimbabwe Safaris

Although many places and creatures in Africa are the best in their own kinds, some still assert that Zimbabwe offers some of the bests.

Be stunned by the waters of the Victoria Falls, be amazed by the rolling hills, experience the circle of life with the enormous elephants and buffalo and never forget, go back in time with the rock arts that were created even before civilizations sprouted.

Although Zimbabwe safaris are only some of the seemingly endless offerings of Africa, wonders of nature can still be found in here that may not be found anywhere else. In this article, we have collected some of the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that cover Zimbabwe safaris.

Chimanimani National Park, situated at the eastern region of Zimbabwe, this park is the only one that allows hikers and trailers to travel without guides. It is a botanist's paradise since it boasts hundreds of plant species.

Chizarira National Park, famous for its panoramic views, Chizarira is not for the faint hearted. It has difficult access that very remote. Nonetheless, it offers its guests amazing sites of natural wonders.

Gonarezhou National Park, at one point in time the elephants dwelled in here thus the name Gonarezhou which literally meant as "abode of elephants". But people are now trying to recover its past but the elephants never forget. They tend to become nasty to visitors.

Hwange National Park, being the premier game viewing area of Zimbabwe, Hwange is the largest national park. It never gets crowded though. The driest months are the peak season for the visits. This is when game viewing is most excellent since animals congregate within water holes. This park also harbors the largest and most diverse animal species in the region, some 400 birds species and the combination of plain animals and the predators.

Lake Kariba, a man-made water reserve, Lake Kariba now serves as the haven for water adventure lovers. It features water skiing, fishing and sailing. Swimming is not allowed since it is also the haven for crocodiles and other reptiles.

Matopos National Park, this is where history seemed to centralized. Packed with many cave men drawings that depict the existence of life in the soil of Zimbabwe even before it was discovered. It also harbors thick population of wild animals including the rare black rhino.

Matusadona National Park, featuring wild mountains and flat plains, Matusadona is truly a land of rising and falling altitudes. It is also known for nursing large herds of both fish eagles and buffalo.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on safari & other useful information, please visit http://safari.articlekeep.com

Canoeing Safari In Tanzania

Have you ever been to Tanzania? Do you know it is? Arusha National Park is only a few Kilometers from Arusha and is a small but beautiful park set in the shadow of Mount Meru in Tanzania. There is a sting of lakes in this park and canoeing has recently been added to the tourist activities in this park.

One lake known as 'Small Momela' successful launched the canoeing safari this year. This is a great way to see the park from a new perspective. It is good to get out of your vehicle and actually get some exercise and get 'down and personal' with the African Bush. This chance to view the animals in their natural habitat should not be passed by.

The Tanzania Government have handed the operation of this canoeing safari to an Arusha based company called Green Footprints Adventure. These canoes can be booked direct or though your operator, or even you driver/guide will be able to organize this mini-adventure for you. From the lake you are able to get a closer look at hippos and the amazing bird life that normally would go unnoticed from your safari vehicle.

Even though this park is very accessible the parks authority claim only 7,000 visitors in 1995 this has dramatically increased to an expected 50,000 for this year. Lying between the peaks of Kilimanjaro and Meru, Arusha National Park is outstandingly beautiful, with a wide range of habitats, form a string of crater lakes where many water birds can be watched through the highland mountain forest to the imposing summit of Mount Meru at 4,500 meters above sea level.

The forest contains a wealth of birds and other animals like the bushbuck which are easily glimpsed between ancient cedar trees or the striking black and white colobus monkeys climbing along their branches. The interesting geology of the area is reflected in the impressive view of the ash cone and cliff face leading to the summit of Mount Meru.

Those who ascend the summit of the mountain are rewarded with unparalleled views of the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valleys. It would be a most exciting holiday to go to this most underrated park as it is very accessible to any itinerary based in the north of Tanzania and you will be continually amazed at what you see.

 Jenny Gill is an international author with vast experience in a diverse range of subjects, for more information visit www.canoeingsyte.com

Jenny Gill is an international author with an immense range of knowledge and skills in a wide range of areas. Jenny is a mother and a grandmother and devotes a lot of her time supporting the aged in her community.

African Safaris From East To South

If you are a novice in African safaris, you probably might find yourself overwhelmed with the array of choices that will arrest your sight. If you have already gone there, you might as well know how to plan a tour so as to delve into the deeper wonders of the African safaris. Remember, some solitary locations are far more marvelous than those, which already became traditional destinations.

Go. Plan a different route. Seek places that you haven't scoured before and experience wonder that you should not miss.

You can't off course explore the whole of African safaris on a few days of trip. There simply are too many sights to feed your spirit and too many places where you may see the real and seldomly seen creations.

This is what an African safari may look like-

A spot may feature a snow-capped mountain while another site will let you witness the miracle of aquatic reefs. And there are definitely desserts and endless selections of wildlife. On another spot, you may even see a remarkable waterfall that will let you experience African safari the different way. Not to mention the diversity of culture and traditions, people and norms that form Africa.

It simply has got it all! Even the most amazing wonders that you can imagine may be found lingering in its rich and vast African safaris.

East and Central Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro?Ngorongoro Crater?countless plains animals?prides of lion along with other predators are all found in these African safari regions. It is strange how these two regions harbor the diversity of animals that feeds on its earth. Its amazing how animals like impala, hartebeest, cheetah, buffalo and others coexist harmoniously in African safaris.

South Africa

Though southern African safaris lack the famous wonders that east and central Africa offer, it still has other things to present to its guests. This is the sight most films of life in the safaris are made.

Zimbabwe is often deemed to be the most marvelous place in African safaris. Why not? It is the honors the mighty Victoria Falls.

One of the African safari favorites is the Zambia. It harbors wilderness camps that may be found in national parks such as Kafue National Park and South Luangwa.

To finish your African safari trip, you may find pleasure in the Indian Ocean islands, which cover Mozambique, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius and Seychelles Islands. The waters that cover these places are great havens for marine life.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on safari & other useful information, please visit http://safari.articlekeep.com

Discover The Canadian Paddling Safari On the Grand River... One Hour West of Toronto

Canoe, kayak or raft trip the Grand River to experience sightings of Canadian wildlife within an hour drive of Toronto. Seeing the returned presence of species once gone from the valley has become the highlight of an evening paddle on the Grand River.

The Carolinian Forest along the shores of the Grand River has the largest diversity of plants and wildlife in Canada. The best way to see wildlife is with a quiet evening drift on the river. Having a guide knowledgeable of where to look increases the opportunity of observing animals and birds. Once trained on where to look and how to distinguish shapes, amazes everyone.

Creatures absent twenty years ago are being sighted... even the locals are in disbelief. The bald eagle is back, the fishing ospreys are nesting and the extinct turkeys abound. There are snarling possums, random sleek otters and an abundance of beaver. Fish populations have changed with the migration of steelhead trout and increase in smallmouth bass. As the varieties of species in the food chain expand, there is an increase response from the predators above.

There is also the regular wildlife to view. In the sky soar the huge turkey vultures, the echoing geese and chattering kingfishers. The whitetail deer populations are abundant in the valley and often visible along the river in the evening and early spring. On moonlight paddles there are coyotes howling, horned owls hooting and large blue herons croaking. There are mink fishing, raccoons washing clams and a choir of frogs and toads to hear.

Traveling in the middle of the river allows minimum disturbance to observe wildlife. Rafts are an excellent vehicle for families and non-water people to safely travel in. There is presently one company offering guided evening paddles on a regular schedule in the Grand River valley. It is called the Grand River Rafting Company and is based in the Paris/ Brantford area. They offer guided evening services with canoes, kayaks and rafts. There are even platform raft drifts with deckchairs for those wishing to sit and observe. The trips are 2 to 3 hours in length and are designed to fit the busy travelers' time frame.

For visitors from Europe, Asia and around the world, the nearness of this wilderness to Toronto is an excellent opportunity to experience a piece of Canadian outdoors. The Grand River is one hour from the Toronto Airport and 10 minutes off the 403 Highway. There are hotels, B&B's and campsites for individuals and couples, just fifteen minutes away from the river. There is also a family/group Bed & Breakfast called River Ridge which can accommodate up to 12 visiting people. There are nearby restaurants, fast food and grocery stores to satisfy the appetite of anyone.

The Grand River is nature's safari route through the wilderness of Southern Ontario. A guided paddle through this Carolinian forest is worth the visit. It is just a short distance from Toronto with a maximum Canadian wildlife experience for all.

Garth Pottruff's Grand River Rafting Company not only does rafting, but exclusive guided canoe and kayak trips on the Grand River in Paris, Ontario. He offers evening paddles and moonlight for the opportunity to view wildlife.He has watched the Grand River make a comeback from an almost dead river to a thriving wildlife community. For trip info click: http://www.grandriverrafting.ca

Respecting the Wildlife and the Environment on Safari

There are certain rules and regulations that one should be aware of while on safari. One of the highlights of most safari's is going on game drives and bush walks, where you get the opportunity to see amazing wildlife in their natural habitat. However it is vitally important that you remember to respect the natural surroundings and wildlife.

The following are some guidelines you should follow:

Bush vegetation is extremely sensitive. Off-road driving causes erosion and encourages the encroachment of unwanted plant species. Observe the animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance to their natural activities. Loud talking on game drives can frighten the animals away.

Night drives with excessive use of spotlights disrupt the activities of nocturnal animals causing temporary blindness and disorientation. Never tease or corner wild animals, this may cause an unpredictable response and a potentially dangerous reaction.

Do not remove any natural material from wildlife reserves. This disrupts the ecology of the area and promotes the spreading of diseases amongst domestic animals and crops. Never attempt to attract an animal's attention. Don't imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound the vehicle or throw objects.

Please respect your driver / guide's judgment about your proximity to certain wild animals. Don't insist that he take the vehicle closer so you can get a better photograph. A vehicle driven too close can hinder a hunt, or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal.

Remember that your guide is an expert, so always follow his advice and ask him questions if you are unsure of anything. Never sleep outside. Take only photographs and memories with you.

Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds and is unsightly. Refrain from smoking on game drives. The dry African bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire can kill many animals.

Never attempt to feed or approach any wild animal on foot. This is especially important near lodges or in campsites where animals may have become accustomed to human visitors.

If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on gerald@12234455.co.za or call me on +27-0720390184.

Gerald Crawford: born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa and the United Kingdom. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: gerald@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za

Africa lion safari- Kenya; ultimate tour country

#TITLE#Africa lion safari- Kenya; ultimate
tour country#/TITLE#

The African lion is fabled as the King of the African Jungle. On a recent vacation
to the Maasai Mara game reserve in Kenya, I was awed at the sheer respect that the
African lion commands. It was one of the most rewarding trips in all my wildlife
safari vacations.

It was the morning a day after our arrival at Olarro Camp located in the Maasai
Mara, one of the best animal safari destinations in Africa. We departed camp at
around 6.00am in the morning for our much awaited morning game drive. Our Maasai
guide, Sammy, and the camp manager Sean packed us in their open Land rover truck
and off we went on a popular game track. We were pleasantly surprised at Sammy's
spotting prowess that, less than a kilometer from camp, had already spotted a lone
male cheetah. Probably on its early morning hunting stakeout, the cheetah wasn't
very amused at our unwelcome intrusion and trudged along grudgingly.

The mating Lions Off we went to look out for the elusive lions in the short savannah
brush. We were negotiating a blind corner when .....Wham... a pride of 3 young males
in the company of a lone female. The minute I spotted the lions, I knew this is
not the situation you want to seem too intrusive. One seemingly larger male Lion
with a slightly darkening mane was separated from other 2 young and was busy courting
a Lioness. The two other lions seemed to have lost the contest for the single lioness
and were circling around the pair with a lot of bitterness. Our arrival had simply
compounded their anger. On the other hand, we had walked onto a mating pair and
the dominant male was so infuriated by our interruption of his engrossing activities
with the lioness. We simply had too many lions against our arrival. For a full 5
minutes, there was absolute silence as each party looked deep and hard into the
eyes of the other. Trying to read the intent of either, we starred long and hard.
I could feel my thunderous pulse as through my heart had moved into my arms and
ears. Our fear was worsened by the fact that we were riding in an open vehicle and
the lions would have had no trouble taking us out .... one by one.

Deceitful distraction The African lion has this uncanny behaviour when faced
by such an intense gridlock. It simply looks aside as if something else more urgent
got its attention, while keeping you within its visual sphere. This serves two purposes,
one is to disarm you by trying to distract your stare and secondly to cleverly provide
a leeway to the impasse and hostility created by locking eyes in an imminent confrontation.
When faced by a formidable enemy who it cannot translate to food, the African lion
will never attack if you have your eyes locked. One cannot be too cautious; "you
never know what surprise these humans can spring... a club, machete or worse even....a
bloody gun".

The day is saved A relief to this situation came from the other two young, small
maned lions who noticed their chances of contesting for the lioness, had just gone
from worse to impossible.....there were just too many of us for their liking. They
casually strolled of with their heads high and into underbrush. It took the older
male Lion about five minutes to be reassured that we posed no threat to his mating
advances to the lioness. Usually, the most dangerous situations to be caught in
are between a mating pair or a lioness with its cubs. The King lion proceeded to
mate with the female unperturbed by our presence; like we never existed.... and
if we did then he was seeing things or could as well have been blind. "A lion's
got to do what a lion got to do....you want to stay and watch... well that's your
problem"

We finally decided that we needed to give them their space and started to drive
off. The dominant king lion must have thanked us for making his competition from
the other two go away. But just as we started off we heard excited human voices
and knew they were headed for certain disaster. We revved off our car towards the
noises and found four Maasai women chatting animatedly as they made a beeline to
a river, 100m between them and the mating lions.

Maasai co-exist with the wildlife

We were about to leave when I noticed their surprised look. Like we didn't understand
that lions are part of their life. Like we needed not to have bothered them with
the obvious. That's when I realized how much the Maasai have learnt the art of co-existence
with the wildlife. I wouldn't have been amazed if they had walked right passed us,
as we watched the lions like there was no danger. I imagine them walking in between
us and the pride, chatting and laughing at this group of tourists huddled silently,
scarred stiff and almost immobilized by the sheer might of the African lion at a
mating contest.

The million dollar gaze of the lion

This was an experience that I always relive when I look at the photos taken on
that safari. It's what an African lion safari does to you. You get to be in the
presence of his highness the majesty king of the Jungle...in his tuff. Nothing beats
that glaring look and the thrill that goes with it when your eyes lock into his
menacing, unblinking and threatening stare...That's the African lion stare....humbling
it is.

African Lion coming of age

The African lion matures at the age of 4-5 years. A fully grown male lion has
a very dark mane while the youth grow a mane gradually, which then darkens as they
progress in age. The males are pushed off their families when they become sexually
mature by the king of the pride. African Lions usually sleep and rest for 16hours
a day only getting up to hunt in the early mornings, late evenings and at night.
Usually the King-lion of the pride commands between 5-10 lionesses including the
cubs. This male will aggressively protect its territory against intruding males
who contest for the females.

Overthrowing the Lion King

There are a lot of coup d`e'tat in the lion kingdom and the male constantly gets
into territorial wars with invading lions. Once in a while a female becomes disenchanted
and leaves the pride to seek out younger and more aggressive males. Once a lion
has successfully overthrown a dominant male, they set upon establishing their kingdom
immediately by making the females submissive. How they do this is what will surprise
you.

Conqueror males kill all Cubs One of the most bizarre behaviour of lions is that
a conqueror male often kills all young cubs fathered by the defeated former king
lion of the pride. The lioness will fight, sometimes to death, when the male lion
goes for her cubs. There are two reasons for this behaviour, one is to establish
a lineage of his own and secondly to as quickly as possible make the females come
to oestrus and ready to mate. It's always a rush before other male lions come to
undermine his authority over the pride.

Traveling to the Maasai Mara -Kenya

On arrival in Nairobi, one is picked up by his tour operator for an overnight
stay at the city's many five star Hotels. It's always advisable to have a night
rest before embarking on to the Mara; if you are to enjoy your game drives. The
next morning you drive about 400km to the Mara in either a 4x4 or a minivan and
you are booked into many of the world class lodges in the Game Reserve. You will
be entitled to at least 2 game drives a day and you will be surprised at the animals
you will see immediately outside the gate to your lodge...That's Mara for you.

The wonder that is the Mara Elephants graze 1 metre off your game drive tracks,
cheetahs will stare at you seated majestically under tree trunks and occasionally
jump on the hood of your car for that vantage view point for prey, a herd of a thousand
buffalos will gaze at you all at once with over 2,000 eye balls, lions will sprawl
for an hour underneath your van for the shade and wildebeest will gallop past your
car in their millions as they head for the breath taking river crossings packed
with crocodiles and strong currents. (See previous articles and shots on the great
wildebeest migration at: www.eastafricasafari.blogspot.com, www.safarishots.blogspot.com)

An experience worth its weight in platinum. Please email this article to friends
who enjoy wildlife in the Wild.

Robert Muhoho is a travel consultant in Kenya, East Africa www.landmarksafaris.com
www.safarishots.blogspot.com

Explore Africa With An African Safari

I've appreciated traveling ever since my junior year of high school when my class went on a excursion to Rome. Ever since that time, I've had the chance to backpack all the way through Europe, bum around the Caribbean for a month, and even reside in Southeast Asia for a short time. The more exotic the destination, the better as far as I'm concerned. That's why I've lately been thinking about going on an African safari.

Going on an African safari would be an encounter like no other. It would be incredible to see all those superb animals such as lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and more running liberated in their native environment. But unlike hopping on a plane to the Bahamas with merely an overnight bag with me, going on an African safari requires to a certain extent a bit more planning.

The first thing I decided to do was call up a travel agent. I wasn't in truth looking for a quotation at that point. I simply wanted to ask a few fundamental questions to acquire a better picture of what I'd need to do before embarking on my African safari. I'm sure glad that I decided to make inquiries, as there were quite a few things that I never would have figured out on my own.

For instance, I didn't know that I would require a exclusive tourist visa in addition to my normal passport in order to go on an African safari. It's a good thing the travel agent told me about this since it takes in the region of 4-6 weeks for the tourist visa to get processed. An added thing I learned is that it would be a good plan to carry a copy of my vaccination records with me. That's because malaria, dysentery, and other ailments are quite widespread for travelers while on an African safari. I was advised to visit a physician ahead of my journey to get various medicines to help guard against these illnesses.

Once I felt comparatively informed about the arrangements I had to make, I went ahead and started looking at prices. I went online and found quite a few great travel companies specializing in African safaris. Most of these companies have set tour packages that incorporate transport, accommodation, and meals, which would make things a lot easier once I was in that country. Some companies even offered a custom African safari in which travelers could develop their own itineraries. I didn't believe I was fully ready for that, so I ended up simply purchasing a package deal.

I'm parting for my African safari in a few short weeks, and I couldn't be more excited! It's going to be the journey of a lifetime. If you're thinking about departing on your own African safari, check out some of these online travel agents to see if you can obtain a great deal on your trip.

Mitch Hampson is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Cheap Travel Agents so if you would like more information on this subject please checkout his website at http://www.worldtravelnow.info This article is shareware. Use freely with all live links left in place.

African Lion Safari

African wilderness safaris are not only fun and educational, but also make your African vacation a memorable one. African lion safaris are ultimate adventure passports, wherein one can spot the majestic animals either during an elephant ride or from an open safari vehicle. Lion safaris also offer explorers the chance to catch a glimpse of elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes and many species of antelope, as well as a wide range of bird life. However, while planning an African lion safari, one must employ a qualified game ranger to make the tour completely safe.

African lion safaris are take place in the natural habitat of lions and are found in areas like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, and Tanzania. Some of the famous African lion safaris are in Kruger National Park, Pilanesburg National Park and Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa; Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Linyanti Game Reserve in Botswana; Etosha National Park in Namibia; Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Tarangire National Park in Tanzania; and Aberdare National Park, Samburu National Reserve and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

Kruger National Park is one of the most famous national parks on the continent, and offers excellent game-viewing opportunities. The park was established in 1889 to protect South Africa?s wildlife, and now contains more species of wildlife than any other game reserve in Africa. Pilanesburg National Park is the fourth-largest national park in southern Africa and, being a malaria-free park, is ideal for game viewing. Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, on the other hand, is a semi-desert park between Namibia and Botswana, which also showcases a wide variety of animals.

Chobe National Park in Botswana is the third largest game park in the country and is famous for its huge herds of elephant and buffalo. Botswana also has the Linyanti Game Reserve, which is known for its large prides of lions and huge herds of elephants. Tanzania has some of the largest and most underdeveloped game reserves in Africa, with its Lake Manyara National Park (famous for its tree-climbing lions) and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with its magnificent black-maned lions. The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Kenya?s finest wildlife parks and supports a year-round population of lions, while lions can also be spotted in Aberdare National Park amidst spectacular scenery.

African lion safaris can be the experience of a lifetime, especially with careful planning in the company of trained naturalists and expert game spotters.

African Safari provides detailed information on African Safari, African Lion Safari, African Safari Vacations, Best African Safaris and more. African Safari is affliated with Botswana Culture.

African Safari

safari means ?journey? in Swahili and is mainly undertaken for exploring or hunting. However, in today?s world the word safari is being associated with adventure and discovery of the wildlife and habitats of the African continent. One can undertake an African safari in many ways, either by driving through the wilderness or through fly-in African safaris. There are three basic categories of safaris one can undertake: lodge safaris, permanent tented safaris and mobile safaris, as well as journeys based on themes like honeymoon, canoeing, elephant-back and horseback safaris. A safari through the regions of Southern Africa and East Africa takes around 10-21 days.

While planning for an African safari, it is advisable to choose an experienced safari specialist or a local African tour operator who is familiar with local etiquette and conditions. One must also ensure that essential things associated with the tour are also included in the package, like ground transportation, accommodation, meals, excursions, guide/driver service and transfers.

Some of the top destinations in Africa are Kruger Park and Sabi-Sands, Cape Town and Winelands, Okavango Delta, Chobe Park, Victoria Falls, Namib Desert, Etosha Park,

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mount Kenya, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro and Forest Gorilla Treks. Although the weather is good throughout the year on the continent, autumn and winter months are the best for safaris.

An African safari can be undertaken in various ways, ranging from elephant and horse-back safaris to ballooning, walking, flying, or driving through the African terrain. All make for a truly unforgettable experience. However, it is imperative to select a tour operator who has experience, thorough knowledge of the local language and excellent contacts in Africa.

African Lion Safari provides detailed information on African Safari, African Lion Safari, African Safari Vacations, Best African Safaris and more. African Lion Safari is affiliated with Botswana Culture.

Yankees' Safari Is All About The Tigers!

The New York Yankees are on a mission and they have their sights set on gunning down the Tigers, thus making sure that all AL playoff teams must venture to the Bronx if they plan on playing in the Fall Classic!

While the pinstripers have been on a 7-3 pace the past 10 games, the Tigers have done the reverse going 3-7 and now must contend with the advancing Twins. Other competition is the defending World Series Champion, Chicago White Sox, who sit only 3 games back in the loss column for the wild card spot.

Ozzie Guillen's troops have the toughest road to travel and their playoff fortunes will be decided on a tough West Coast swing this week at Los Angeles and Oakland. The Yankees get Tampa Bay who has the worst road record in baseball with just 19 wins, and then the Red Sox who have no bullets left in the chamber.

In Minnesota, the Twins will need to refocus as the offensive machine known as the Oakland A's invades the Twin cities. The A's are led by former White Sox Frank Thomas, who is a lock for Comeback player of the year in the American League. The former tight end has swatted 35 homeruns to go along with 97 RBI's and a .299 batting average.

The Tigers will try and claw their way back to the best record in the AL with home sets against the Rangers and Orioles. Meanwhile, the Dodgers and Padres are going to slug it out to the final weekend to see who grabs division honors and the wild card spot.

San Diego has a very tough week as they must fly out east for three games against the Reds and then turn around and head to Chez Ravine for a crucial weekend set with the Dodgers. Los Angeles is at Wrigley Field where they cannot afford to slip up in this tight struggle.

The Cardinals have struggled all year in the very mediocre Central Division, but with a 4 ? game lead over the inconsistent Reds and 5 over the Astros, they are headed for another division title. If you plan on doing any baseball betting, check out the proposition bets at your local sportsbook.

Get ready for a Subway Series!

Bob Acton

Sports Betting

Bob is an experienced sports writer and handicapper, who has written for the sports industry for over 10 years. His years of writing for Sports Scene, sports consulting on 33 Made for Television and Major Motion Pictures and his work as an instructor at Pro Teach Baseball Academy, have made Bob a trusted and respected source in the sports world.

Safariland Holster Retentions Levels Explained

Safariland has defined retention levels in three categories. Each level of retention provides the user a specific amount of security in order to avoid having the weapon removed by an unwarranted person.

Although many holster manufacturers claim to have some form of retention, at the time of this article Safariland is the only company that has defined their levels of retention and also integrated it with their current lines of holsters.

Safariland defines retention levels based on the amount of security or retention devices that are available in order to release the gun from the holstered position.

A good example of this type of retention is the Safariland 070 holsters.

Safariland Retention Level I

All current holster manufacturers including Safariland sells a form of this retention which provides a basic thumb break mechanism which must be unbuttoned or unclipped in order for the weapon to be removed. This is considered the simplest form of retention and should be considered as a minimal security device for the weapon carrier. This form of retention during a confrontation can easily be compromised causing the weapon owner to lose control of their gun.

Safariland Retention Level II

A level two holster is where the user must remove the thumb break and also rock the weapon forward or backwards to unlock the internal mechanism. This type of rocking action provides the user with the ability to remove the weapon easily however thwarts anyone not wearing the holster to remove the weapon.

A Safariland level II retention system is the retention most preferred by law enforcement throughout the world. Allowing a quick draw and also a secure form of holstering. Keep in mind the greater the retention level the more training is required in order to make sure optimal weapon draw is achieved. In most user opinions the Level II retention is considered the best medium of retention and also the most optimal draw.

A popular example of the Safariland Level II retention holster is the Safariland 6280 Mid Ride

Safariland Retention Level III

Take for example the Safariland Raptor 6070 Level III. This Level 3 retention holster allows a rapid draw and an excellent retention, as long as the draw is frequently practiced. This requires the officer to be dedicated to the holster and make sure he is fully comfortable with the weapon and the way it is holstered. However, since a majority of departments only require annual or bi-annual qualifications of the handgun and holster, there is a good chance Level III retention will result in miscued draws.

Safariland has recommended the user of a Level III holster should practice drawing and holstering the weapon approximately 200 times before actually using the holster on duty. However it has been duly noted most police officers and users are unwilling to invest that amount of time to make sure they are fully comfortable with retention methods of a Level III holster. Safariland has also mentioned the learning curve from Level II retention to Level III retention climbs a dramatic curve and requires an enormous amount of time to be fully proficient.

We realize the decision you make on a Safariland holster is one that may save your life one day and we are always willing to make a recommendation. If you are uncomfortable with choosing the correct holster for your needs or wish to speak to someone with knowledge about Safariland please feel free to give us a call we will be happy to help you.

Steve Arya has been involved with the sales of Safariland Holster for over six years and has a well rounded knowledge in holster technology and retention methods. For further information on Safariland Holster please click here.

Preparing for Your African Safari

There are numerous preparations you should make before you leave for your African safari vacation. It is especially important to be aware of the physical conditions and safety considerations if you are considering a visit to Africa. Research the political situation in the country you are planning to visit before you book and confirm your travel. Official web sites on the Internet will provide you with complete and up-to-date information.

Before You Leave Home A crucial consideration is to pack wisely and don't over-pack. But how do you determine what's essential and what's not? Although having the proper clothing is very important, the key is to travel light but travel smart. It is recommended that you check out the local climate and weather conditions before you embark on a safari. If you have booked through an African travel specialist for your trip, contact that company for clothing suggestions during the specified period of your travel.

Be sure to include good walking shoes that are comfortable and already broken in; don't make the mistake of bringing brand new shoes. Include comfortable, but protective clothing for your safari. Long-sleeved shirts help protect your arms from the sun and long pants will help protect you from mosquitoes, especially in the evenings. Wearing neutral-colored clothing will help you blend in with the surroundings while you are admiring the wildlife and will also reflect the sun, keeping you cooler. You may also want to bring along a warm jacket for cool nights. In addition, you'll want to take some "dressier clothes" for when you're planning to be in one of the larger African cities where more formal attire is appropriate.

Sun Protection Regardless of the time of year you visit Africa, the sun's heat will be significant during the day. High SPF sunscreen and lip balm are a must, as well as a hat, bandana, sunglasses and so forth. Covering up when in the sun is the best approach to ultraviolet ray protection. Generally, fabrics with a tighter, denser weave give the best protection. Knit constructions, such as cotton t-shirts, give relatively poor protection (SPF rating of 4.8) since UV rays pass through loops on the knit structure.

What about Health Care and Medicine? You should definitely schedule a doctor's visit for a complete medical check up well in advance of your departure. First and foremost, you should remember to have prescriptions filled with an adequate supply of the medications you are currently taking. If you are visiting an area known to have malaria, you should consider taking prophylactic malaria medication. Your family physician and safari travel company can offer advice regarding this medication based on the region you are planning to visit. It is also a good idea to have a dental check-up before your travel.

Be sure to enquire about the quality of the drinking water and, if in doubt, drink only bottled. Many people become dehydrated when on safari because they forget to drink enough water - be sure to drink plenty of water every day. Re-hydration tablets are also a good item to bring along, just in case.

Pack a medical kit with painkillers, bug repellants, anti-diarrhea pills, bandages and antiseptics for yourself and anyone traveling with you. Finally, ensure that your insurance coverage is adequate in case you become sick or injured abroad. There are insurance companies that specialize in overseas travel insurance and offer short-term coverage's to suit all needs - your travel agent can help with recommendations.

When You Arrive After you arrive at your destination, there are some additional points worth noting to preclude illness, accident, or injury so you can enjoy your holiday to the fullest. First, to relieve symptoms of jet lag and fatigue, eat lightly, drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and caffeine for a few days after your arrival. Also, try to adjust your activity levels to the local time zone as soon as possible to get you physically in sync with the local time.

One of the most common reasons for injury abroad is automobile accidents. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the local driving culture, road signs, speed limits and local police vehicles before attempting to drive.

When walking in cities and urban areas in Africa, you may want to consider using two wallets. Hide one of them with the bulk of your cash, traveler's checks, credit cards and other essential items in a safe place on your person. Fill the second wallet with a small amount of money, and use that for routine spending. In addition, you should avoid counting your money in public, as this will cause the unwanted attention of potential thieves. Finally, if you must take an expensive laptop or camera when walking around in populated areas, try to conceal them as much as possible, preferably in an older or beat up bag.

Eyes on Africa, an African safari company, boasts an extremely knowledgeable team of staff members, who are passionate about every aspect of travel to Southern Africa, including its wildlife and safari destinations. When you're ready to plan your African safari, a holiday in Africa, or if you just have questions, please feel free to contact us toll free at 800-457-9575 or visit our web site at www.eyesonafrica.net/contactus.htm and complete an information request form.

African Safari Trips ? A taste of wild and romantic African adventure

Safari is an East African tradition and means to travel or journey. An African safari is a popular trip that has been undertaken for centuries by both Africans and other nations visiting Africa. The most enduring image of safari is the British explorer in his white hat and shorts, hunting for big game in the wilds of Africa. Africa is a very popular destination due to beautiful terrain and varied wildlife.

African safari began centuries ago with Arabs and Swahilis making long voyages into mainland Africa to do trade with other markets. The word became synonymous with the caravans, hunting, and the sense of adventure. The traders brought ivory, supplies and slaves. Thankfully British control put an end to the slavery.

The British soon brought people from all over the world looking for Safari adventure. What really attracted them was Africa?s wildlife, which still does today. Some people wanted to observe and study the amazing African animals, while others wanted to hunt them. Needless to say, soon it became necessary to establish an ethical and legal code protecting the animal population from over hunting. Today hunting is very strictly regulated to protect the animals.

Many western explorers gained massive fame and their tales of Africa started the trend that still goes on today. They told romantic stories of the freedom and beauty of Africa, as well as serious tales of the dangers that face explorers. Drought, wild animals, disease and hostile tribes are dangers that still exist today and so the modern safari will be equipped very well and with caution. A safari trip that is unprepared for disaster could run into very serious, possibly fatal, trouble.

Safari trips to Africa are easy to find and book. They usually start by taking you to a lodge where there are observation decks, entertainment, bars and beds. These lodges act as a starting point for the convoys of vehicles that will take you across the land and into game territory. Just like in the past, many safaris have a native African guide who adds his knowledge of the terrain and survival skills.

John Gibb is the owner of African Safari Tips. For more information on African Safaris check out http://www.african-safari-tips-and-advice.info

Safari Weddings - an experience out of Africa

African weddings are becoming increasingly popular the world over. This continent has long held a sense of mysticism and magic that enchants and delights people the world over.

The Peculiarities of an African Wedding

With its rich and diverse cultural heritage, Africa is a land where marriage traditions may seem bizarre, romantic, lavish or peculiar. Perhaps even all of these things simultaneously.

In some African traditions, a young girl's family may arrange her marriage many years before she is old enough to wed, in others, prospective grooms must pay his for his future wife with sheep or cattle.

Wedding ceremonies in Africa are grand affairs, often lasting many days. They are festivals celebrating not only the union of man and wife but also that of their respective families. Entire villages might celebrate together and in certain instances, weddings may involve many couples who tie the knot simultaneously in a sort of mass wedding. Marriage is a sacred institution the world over, and especially so in Africa.

Romantic Southern African Wedding Venues

Besides the rich tradition of African weddings, the continent also offers a wide range of very unique wedding locations. Choose from sandy beaches, mountain-tops, the unspoilt bushveld or the historic winelands - wherever your dream wedding location, Africa has an option for you.

More specifically, Southern Africa as a region holds within it a superbly varied range of experiences. With the warm Indian Ocean along its east coast and the cool Atlantic along the west, with sandy deserts and snow ski resorts, with lush forests and expansive grasslands, this particular corner of the globe must certainly be one of the most diverse on the planet.

South African Safari Wedding

Perhaps the most unique of all these options, the African Safari wedding is something you simply cannot experience anywhere else in the world. Drawing on the mystique of African explorations of a bygone era, an African safari affords the opportunity for visitors to experience the splendours of the African bush and get a feel for the warm hospitality of the people who live on and love the African continent.

A wedding in one of Southern Africa's fantastic private game lodges provides a combination of awe-inspiring natural beauty with an authentic African adventure feel. That it does this while maintaining the standards of lavish extravagance for which such private game lodges are renowned makes the entire experience that much more phenomenal. In South Africa, private game lodges like Sabi Sabi, Ulusaba, Londolozi and Shamwari are extremely popular wedding and honeymoon venues.

Very Special Wedding Guests

Besides their world-class cuisine and fantastic luxury accommodation, the private African lodge's offer game viewing possibilities unlike anything in any other part of the world.

How many people get to boast at their 10th anniversary that among the guests at their wedding was the king of the African bushveld? Perhaps his roar might be the distant accompaniment to the string quartet as the deep red African sun sinks beyond the horizon.

A South African Honeymoon

Another of benefit of tying the knot at an African Game lodge is that you will already be at one of the world's premium honeymoon locations. No worrying about rushing off to that airport for a flight or any of the other travel trials that many honeymooners face. As soon as you've both said "I do" you're already on honeymoon!

Peace, privacy and tranquillity in stunningly beautiful surroundings; half the recipe for a perfect honeymoon. And the other half? Well, that's entirely up to the newlyweds!

A wedding is one of the biggest days of your life. An African Safari could be one of the best experiences of your life. By combining the two, you unlock the potential to create a day that will last forever in the memory and be worthy of the title, "The Greatest Day Of Our Lives".

Sabi Sabi, set in the Sabi Sands game reserve, is an exquisite South African wedding venue. Whether you are looking for a South African Wedding venue or an African honeymoon destination, Sabi Sabi will treat you to the most luxurious and adventurous experience imaginable. An addictive combination of wild Africa and luxurious opulence awaits guests who are treated like royalty. Sit back, relax and